Social enterprises named for Key Fund’s £150k incubator

Nine social enterprises from the North East have secured a place on a new £150k growth development incubator.

A florist that employs ex-offenders and recovering addicts, a wood reuse and recycling centre and a fleet of mopeds for commuting to work are among the ideas that landed the winners a spot on the The Think Big programme.

New social support agency GLT Partners will deliver the 10-month course, offering one-to-one support from its directors and access to specialist mentors.

The programme, funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the Virgin Money Foundation, will also see participants attend five full-day masterclasses on product development, marketing, growth and investment.

GLT Partners will deliver the programme on behalf of the Key Fund.

Dave Thornett, business development manager at Key Fund, said: “Starting a business is challenge enough without having to create social impact as well.

“The Think Big programme is designed to give organisations the best chance to succeed by giving them tailored support and guidance from the beginning.”

Think Big will launch this week (July 3) at Big Lottery Fund’s office in Newcastle.

The social enterprises with a place on the programme are: Chilli Studios (in Newcastle), Cornerstone (County Durham), Carers Northumberland (Northumberland), FIRST Breakthrough (Gateshead), House of Objects (North Tyneside), Oasis Aquila Housing (Gateshead and Sunderland), Newcastle Wood Recycling CIC (Newcastle), Wheels to Work (County Durham) and Recovery Connections (Middlesbrough).